How Dental Care Impacts Your Overall Health
Missing regular check-ups and slacking off on daily oral hygiene affect more than just the health of your teeth and gums. Poor oral health can have implications for your overall physical and mental well-being. Learn how taking care of your teeth and gums can impact the rest of your body.
The Connection Between Dental Health and Overall Well-Being
The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies oral health as a vital health indicator that can impact people’s overall health and quality of life. Enjoying healthy teeth and gums means more than proper eating, speaking, and smiling. Without good oral hygiene, you could experience pain and poor health in other parts of your body.
Whatever gets into the body, including bacteria, most often goes through the mouth. Did you know there are up to 700 different species of bacteria in your mouth? Most of them can thrive but won’t hurt you if you practice good oral hygiene.
However, when those bacteria have the freedom to multiply, they spread to other parts of your body via your bloodstream. Eventually, they can cause health problems that you wouldn’t typically connect with oral health. For example, gum disease is correlated with the development of diabetes, cardiac disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and some respiratory conditions. Besides chronic health conditions, cavities can lead to diminished focus and depression.
Here are some common health conditions that link back to poor dental care and hygiene:
Diabetes
High blood sugar can make it challenging to keep your teeth healthy. It can also contribute to diabetes, reducing your body’s ability to process food and sugars into energy. People with diabetes are at an increased risk for periodontal disease, which is even more challenging to control with high blood sugar.
Heart Problems
Researchers continue to study the connection between oral health and cardiovascular disease. Common symptoms include clogged arteries and stroke, which may be linked to the infection and inflammation that gum disease causes. One condition is endocarditis, an infection of the heart’s inner lining. This infection can originate from unchecked bacteria in your mouth.
HIV
People with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), are more likely to experience oral health problems, such as oral sores and mucosal lesions. Because people with HIV are less able to fight off infection, they’re especially susceptible to such oral conditions as gum disease, chronic dry mouth, canker sores, and tooth decay. Regular dental check-ups can help providers detect early signs of HIV/AIDS and many other conditions.
Pregnancy Complications
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to 75% of pregnant people have gingivitis. Those with periodontitis—a severe form of gum disease—have increased risks of premature birth and low birth weight. That’s why it’s important to include oral hygiene as an essential part of prenatal care.
Osteoporosis
Some cases of osteoporosis have been tied to tooth and periodontal bone loss. Also, certain medications used to treat this condition can slightly increase the risk of damage to the jaw bones. Taking healthy amounts of vitamin D and calcium can help preserve your teeth and overall bone health.
Respiratory Problems
Bacteria that migrate from your mouth to your lungs can cause respiratory conditions like pneumonia. If you have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), gum disease can worsen the inflammation associated with your condition. Good dental habits at home can prevent lung problems or keep symptoms under control.
Academics and Work Productivity
Anyone knows that you can’t perform at your best when you’re sick. Children with oral health problems like cavities and painful inflammation can develop depression, find it hard to focus in school, and exhibit lower academic performance. Finally, children and adults who don’t get dental check-ups and cleanings from a local dental office, miss more school or work days and incur more medical expenses.
Importance of Preventative Dental Care
Regular check-ups and professional cleanings from your local dentist can reduce your risk of ailments that affect the rest of the body. At Beckham Square Family Dental, we want to equip you and your family with all the tools and strategies to safeguard your dental and overall health. Call our office for more information and to schedule your next appointment.